Simon Fuller News

AMERICAN IDOL's Amanda Shectman who is a seasoned musical theatre performer and trained opera singer recalls the daunting task of having to perform an Italian aria at the mere age of 7 years old. Watch the video of her interview with AMERICAN IDOL below.

North Carolina native Noel Reese, now proud owner of an AMERICAN IDOL Golden Ticket, recalls in this interview her early start in the arts, as an admittedly nervous 7-year old, performing songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'The King and I' and 'The Sound of Music'.

AMERICAN IDOL hopeful Liz Rooney is an Army girl and 911 Dispatcher. Her roots in music came at an early age, starring as 'Simba' in a school production of THE LION KING when she was just 10 years old. See her Golden Ticket interview below.

AMERICAN IDOL's Golden Ticket Interviews features 19-year-old student Carmen Turner who hails from Baxley, Georgia. In the interview piece, Turner speaks about her own idol, Kelly Clarkson, and her role as Dance Captain for her high school's show choir. Turner auditioned for AMERICAN IDOL with a friend, both hopeful to make it past the first audition, but it was Turner who eventually wowed the judges and landed a Golden Ticket.

Day two of the hit reality TV show 'American Idol' continued tonight, moving the audition phase to Atlanta, Georgia, with guest judge Mary J. Blige. Atlanta proved rather comparable to last night's Boston auditions for the less-than-stellar singers, but, for a city that has featured the likes of Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson (both who held their initial audition in Atlanta), seemed to lack some of the more extraordinary performers. Although there were several good singers in the mix, the more colorful performances stole the show.

Another season of the hit reality TV show 'American Idol' kicked off its ninth season last night, bringing the familiar faces of Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Kara DioGuardio as America's favorite judging panel back to the silver screen. The show that has brought talent such as Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken takes talent from across the country and lets America choose who will be the next 'Idol.' Now in its ninth season, 'American Idol' has been one of the biggest reality TV show hits of the decade and has taken the country by storm.

American Idol is set to return for its much-anticipated ninth season with a two-night premiere featuring talent and outrageous new auditions from Boston Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Atlanta Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE two-night season finale airs Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, and AMERICAN IDOL's Adam Lambert is set to take the stage. Lambert will sing his latest track, 'Whataya Want From Me,' in his first appearance on the network since the AMERICAN IDOL season finale in May.

The SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE two-night season finale airs Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, and AMERICAN IDOL's Adam Lambert is set to take the stage. Lambert will sing his latest track, 'Whataya Want From Me,' in his first appearance on the network since the AMERICAN IDOL season finale in May.

Radar Online has posted the scoop that Kristin Chenoweth (soon to return to Broadway in PROMISES, PROMISES) and Christina Applegate (last seen in SWEET CHARITY) will be featured on Carrie Underwood's upcoming TV special, singing a 1960's medley.

NBC Universal has announced that 9 To 5 composer Dolly Parton will take part Carrie Underwood's star-studded holiday, tentatively entitled 'Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Special,' airing on FOX at 8PM EST on December 7. Adam Shankman, director the film version of Hairspray, is co-executive producing and directing the special.

So You Think You Can Dance is down to the 8 finalists, determined this week after Noelle Marsh and Nathan Trasoras were eliminated on Tuesday night. This week's results show also featured performances by Snoop Dogg with Quest Crew, who debuted his new single, 'I Wanna Rock,' as well as by LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers).

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America. The series features host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.

AMERICAN IDOL 8 season eight runner-up Adam Lambert has taken to his Twitter to share updated news about his charity and his new CD

Broadway's Spencer Liff is set to debut as a new Broadway choreographer on Fox Tv's So You Think You Can Dance in tonight's episode, November 17. Liff will be choreographing a piece for contestants Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte, who found themselves in the bottom three last week. The episode airs at 8:00pm EST on Fox.

AMERICAN IDOL winner Kris Allen and finalists Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta reunited for a sexy Elle photo shoot and MTV News went behind the scenes to check out all the 'IDOL' action.

Radar Online has posted the scoop that Kristin Chenoweth (soon to return to Broadway in PROMISES, PROMISES) and Christina Applegate (last seen in SWEET CHARITY) will be featured on Carrie Underwood's upcoming TV special, singing a 1960's medley.

FOX is giving viewers an extra dose of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE on Monday, October 26 at 8:00/7:00c.

NBC Universal has announced that 9 To 5 composer Dolly Parton will take part Carrie Underwood's star-studded holiday, tentatively entitled 'Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Special,' airing on FOX at 8PM EST on December 7. Adam Shankman, director the film version of Hairspray, is co-executive producing and directing the special.

While hosting Thursday night's 'VH1 Divas', Paul Abdul donned a blond wig and did an impersonation of her 'American Idol' successor Ellen DeGeneres.